If you've ever wondered how surge protector strips are different from plug-in power conditioners, you're not alone. The enormous difference in price makes surge strips especially attractive to many people. To make matters more confusing, manufacturers of these different devices often don't point out the performance differences, which are significant. If you buy any power protection device (including power strips) without knowing the facts, you may find you've purchased far less protection than you thought. The difference between a plug-in surge protector strip and plug-in power conditioner is more than just price. As you will see, surge strips are capable of providing only rudimentary protection.